10 Things to do in Birmingham 2021
We’ve sourced a great selection of things to do in Birmingham. What better excuse to plan a night away with us soon? You’re in for a great time.
In light of any Covid restrictions that may still be in place, please check opening times and guidance from venues before visiting.
1. Van Gogh Alive
Birmingham Hippodrome is welcoming us back with the enormously successful Van Gogh Alive until Sunday 11th July.
This is no ordinary art exhibition. Described as the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience, Van Gogh Alive is a digital art experience using stunning projections and classical music. It gives you the unique opportunity to step on to the Hippodrome’s main stage and venture into Van Gogh’s world. Pre-booking is essential.
2. Digbeth Funfair Birmingham
Our Rotunda serviced apartments aren’t the only way you can see the city centre from a completely new perspective. Take a seat at Digbeth Funfair’s Big Wheel to get another classic view of Birmingham soaring above the skies.
Other attractions at the Moseley Street fair include the Wild Mouse rollercoaster, kids’ bungee jumps, the 60-metre high Sky Flyer and traditional rides including dodgems, waltzers and cups & saucers.
Running throughout summer 2021, Digbeth Funfair is now closed for the season but stay in the know with updates on their return on the Digbeth Funfair website.
3. Chamberlain Square
In the heart of the city centre and surrounded by glorious buildings such as the Town Hall and Museum and Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square has been given a new look.
The Memorial Fountain looks like new and it’s now surrounded by places to sit and new bars and restaurants in among the Paradise development buildings, such as Rosa’s Thai Café and a favourite of the Staying Cool team – Dishoom Birmingham.
It’s the perfect place for people watching, just a few minutes’ walk from Rotunda.
4. Ikon Gallery: IKON For Artists Art Sale
Ikon Gallery in Brindleyplace has reopened after lockdown by devoting its galleries to an exhibition of artworks for sale by over 250 Birmingham artists.
Submitted through an open call, work in a range of media is presented both in the gallery and on Ikon’s website from to 31st May. 100% of the proceeds from artwork sales go directly to the artists. What a great way to welcome back Birmingham’s creatives!
5. Reuben Colley Fine Art
Horace Panter’s new collection Cassettes 2021 is now on display at Reuben Colley Fine Art, Colmore Row until Saturday 29th May. Also known as the bassist from The Specials, Horace has always been fascinated by the humble cassette, which played such a pivotal role in the dissemination of music in the 1970s and 80s.
Taking inspiration from Pop Art traditions, Horace has created iconic works of art from these everyday objects.
6. Jewellery Quarter
Did you know 40% of all UK jewellery manufacture takes place in Birmingham’s world-famous Jewellery Quarter?
If your visit to Staying Cool is a celebration of a special occasion, visit the Quarter for a beautiful memento. While you’re there you can visit a whole host of new restaurants, bars, coffee shops, see Birmingham’s Banksy artwork and the restored Chamberlain Clock, looking splendid again after a £150,000 refurbishment.
7. Shop, Drink and Dine
Birmingham city centre is home to department stores – Selfridges is our corner shop! – independent boutiques, award-winning restaurants and welcoming bars.
Take a stroll to John Bright Street for new pavement cafes including Cherry Reds, Turtle Bay or Brewdog. Head towards the Victoria Square side of New Street and you’ll find new outdoor dining areas for Medicine Bakery (the freshly-baked sourdough is the stuff of local legend and we often treat guests to sugary delights from here), Second Cup Coffee and La Galleria Italian Restaurant.
If you’re here to shop, visit Great Western Arcade or Piccadilly Arcade for a selection of brilliant independent gift shops, salons and fashion stores.
8. Take a Seat with Rock Royalty
Birmingham proudly claims to be the home of heavy metal, thanks largely to the impact of local rock gods Black Sabbath.
The band’s place in rock’s halls of fame is celebrated in the city with a recently installed Black Sabbath Bench, on Broad Street.
It’s the perfect spot for a Sabbath selfie for any super-fans in your life!
9. National Sea Life Centre & Legoland Discovery Centre
The Merlin-managed National Sea Life Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre are two of the most popular attractions in the city centre.
Visitors to the Sea Life Centre will be able to see Ozzy (see heavy metal reference above!) and Ola, the UK’s first and only sea otters, as well as enjoying the colony of Gentoo penguins, an interactive rock pool, jellyfish, piranhas, a 4D Cinema and the UK’s only 360° Ocean Tunnel.
Legoland Discovery Centre is full of creative Lego fun aimed at three to 12 year olds, with a 4D Cinema, two interactive Lego rides and Brum-based Miniland.
10. Treetop Adventure Golf
A brand new mini golf experience is set to tee off in the heart of Bullring and Grand Central on the 31st May, right on our doorstep!
Treetop Adventure Golf reveals its mighty rainforest to coincide with the post-lockdown return of the leisure and hospitality sector (YAY!).
Situated on the southern side of the Bullring centre, the former Forever 21 unit is undergoing an expansive £2.4 million refurbishment to transform it into an immersive mini golf experience for all.
